Professional Leadership Alumni Network

The Professional Leadership Alumni Network (PLAN) was founded in 2004 by a motivated team of PLP graduates.  These members saw an opportunity to unite past, present, and future leaders and took the initiative to create the PLAN. By working with Archer Center repetitive Catherine Persoon and corporate sponsors this committee has been working hard to give back the Professional Leadership Program and enhance the educational experience for current participants.

PLAN Events:

The PLAN has been very active over the last year. In October we held the first ever off-site PLP/PLAN networking event in Boston . It was a pleasure to reconnect with alumni, and we enjoyed an excellent array of desserts at Paul Conforti’s (’92) Finale Desserts. For the campus career fair last fall, we compiled and distributed Professional Leadership resume books.

PLAN Affinity Group Reunion (June 8th-11th 2006):

Meet with friends, see the campus, and revive great college memories. This is a great opportunity to network with influential alumni, hear the stories from RPI's past and enjoy delicious breakfast “PLANcakes” (pancakes) made by our very own PLAN event coordinators.

Annual Networking Event - NYC – October 2006:

Find out more about about PLAN in our most recent newsletter (click here)    

PLAN Scope:

With the founding of the Professional Leadership Alumni Network (PLAN), processes will be put in place to:

• Build relationships and develop a sense of community between students, alumni, corporations, and the surrounding communities

• Promote a flow of lessons learned & best practices among PLAN members

• Provide direction and vision for future PLP classes

• Gain overall exposure of the PLP by Rensselaer and industry

• Bring guest speakers into the Professional Leadership Program

• Create job opportunities for PLAN and PLP members

The short-term vision for PLAN is to create a strong foundation for the following years to build upon.  The first step is to gain support from the current PLP class, its instructor, and the Archer Center. Other groups to establish relationships with include the Office of Alumni Relations, the development office, the Career Development Center, and selected corporations.

The long-term vision for PLAN is to establish a solid alumni network and further develop the underlying support structures necessary to strengthen and continue the organization. The PLAN will also provide a forum for directing and enhancing the PLP.

PLAN Benefits:

The Professional Leadership Alumni Network will benefit the current PLP students and the PLP alumni. It is envisaged that this network will have the capability to promote a flow of lessons learned & best practices between the alumni and students, as well as alumni-to-alumni. The Professional Leadership Alumni Network can also benefit students & alumni by creating job opportunities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will also stand to gain through positive ties with alumni and community along with additional recognition from the outside world.